So glad you asked! Do you know that large organ which pumps your blood throughout your body? Yep, that’s the one, your Heart! Centuries of cultures have known the benefits of drinking Red and White wine, not just on special occasions but daily. We’re going clear back to the oldest-known winery in c. 4100 B.C (The “c.” means around or approximately, saved you the trouble of looking it up) We are talking the Stone Age folks! Since it’s discovery and evolvement Wine has been an essential part of Social, Religious, and Cultural life for as long as we have discovered that wonderful grape. Monasteries’ believed the Monks lived longer because they included wine as a core part of their daily meals.
Enough with the History lesson, on-to the Heart benefits
Just as the real nutrients of a potato is the skin, it’s the same with Wine! Yep, that beautiful skin from the grapes holds the antioxidants power of providing all kinds of health benefits! Let’s start with good cholesterol, resveratrol, polyphenols, and as a bonus help with inflammation. Can you believe all that from the skin of a grape! Not to mention the big one, proven by many universities, the long-lasting benefits from helping to protect the heart of coronary disease, circulatory system, lowering cholesterol, protecting against blood clots, and prevention of diabetes. If a Grape ever had bragging rights, I believe it has walked the red carpet and won the award. Let’s not forget to give it a final nod, it’s made from pure nature. No wonder they called it the nectar of the Gods!
The Red wines seem to hold the winning card when it comes to the most benefits but don’t discount the Whites, each has their own set of added benefits. Everything from both being heart-healthy to aging to even weight loss. Yes, believe it or not, weight loss. Apparently, whites are the most beneficial when it comes to weight loss because they have fewer calories than the reds. The residuals help your insulin to assist with sugar levels and diabetes.
The Variety
The Red’s we have a vast variety, here are just a few. Pinot noir, Merlot, Lambrusco, Port, Cabernet Tranc, Muscat, Brachetto d’Acqui, Syrah, Zinfandel, Shiraz, Grenache, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Clos Mont-Blanc.
The Whites also have a vast variety, here are just a few of my favorites. Riesling, Pino Grigio, Moscato, Chardonnay (which I believe on this hot Summer night I’ll pour a glass of Chardonnay), Sauvignon blanc, and the Viognier.
Let’s not forget about Cooking!
Cooking with wine is also beneficial. The comparison would be using olive oil versus using butter. Yes, it’s that compatible with the flavor it brings out, you might be surprised. Look at Chicken Marsala! What would that be without the Marsala wine!? Nothing but chicken with some mushrooms, garlic, and a side of pasta. Just saying.
Each Wine with its own unique flavor makes pairing them with just the right meal, dessert, after-dinner drink to bring out the flavors of the meal or to complement what is being served. Or we could just simply like wine and pour a beautiful glass after a long day or a fun afternoon luncheon with some Sangria!
Merlot is my go-to when I am cooking a Filet Mignon or almost any kind of steak. Same with a Cabernet Sauvignon or Clos Mont-Blanc.
Whites pair best with almost any Fish, Chicken or Salad dish. The fruity white and dry wines complement the dishes, bringing out the bouquet of flavors
Don’t forget the benefits of Champagne!
Who doesn’t love strawberries and Champagne! Here is one that will shock you. It improves your memory, improves your skin, contains fewer calories than wine! A fact you probably already know, it gets you drunk quickly. All of that and Yes, it’s good for your Heart. But wait until you read this. Drinking it daily has shown it could help with the prevention of Dementia and Alzheimer’s! The memory aid found in champagne is a different compound, phenolic acid. Researchers have found that three glasses a day of the good old bubbly could very well help with these brain disorders. Who knew!? Well, now you do.
I asked some folks on Social Media to chime in and here is what they had to say:
“The year 2020. A reason and a benefit”
“Lowers my anxiety”
“Residual helps improve insulin to help prevent diabetes. Resveratrol helps the heart by lowering blood sugar and reduces bad cholesterols”
“Helps me relax and gain back some patience to deal with the children during this epidemic”
“Helps to drown out my Dad at 80, he can get cranky”
“Sipping wine is a sharing experience. Not only sharing the wine, but the stories and time spent together. The pouring of the wine might help to open the flow of conversation. Also, the type of wine may influence the food choices that people enjoy with it”
“Creativity is heightened, and the world becomes a better place”
“Makes me relax and lowers my inhibitions of life stress”
“I just simply feel good after a glass of those beautiful grapes”
“It reduces the risk of cancer”
“It’s stronger than a beer and more refreshing”
“It compliments many types of dinners”
“Good for the heart and tastes nice too”
“Certain grapes, especially Malbec have a good dose of resveratrol which is proven to increase lifespan and lessen disease processes”
